Is it time for Greenfield to change to a City Charter? Part 2

By Pat Hays
Guest columnist

In my last guest editorial in April of this year regarding a charter for the Village of Greenfield (https://highlandcountypress.com/opinions/it-time-greenfield-change-city…), I asked if it was time for Greenfield to change to a “Charter” form of government. 

Since that time, an issue has been placed on the November ballot to revert Greenfield to a “Mayor-Council” (federal) form of government.

The main impetus for this reform, in my opinion, was the removal of the City Manager and a member of village council. Facebook and other social media platforms were absolutely filled with hate, vitriol and potentially libelous comments directed at the village administration, and sadly, to members of this community.

I take no sides in the issue of the City Manager. He has resigned. 

But I do take issue with throwing out Greenfield’s form of government just to get rid of an individual or two.

Greenfield does need a change. Just not the federal plan. Greenfield needs its own charter, where all of the issues brought up in the past year or so can be addressed. And Greenfield will not have a chance to form a charter for another three to five years if this issue passes.

In an editorial back in 2007, I wrote the following: “I’ve also found in the past 35 (now 52) years that the citizens of Greenfield are some of the greatest in the state, that when they are told the truth about issues, they will do the right thing for the town.

Let’s all work together, install good leadership in our elected positions, and support our Greene Countrie Towne.

I urge you to vote NO on Issue 4 and work diligently to place a charter issue on the ballot next year.